Buy a new condo and receive luxury as standard

By Barbara Lawlor
January 06, 2019

Occasionally, I write about “luxury” condominiums that carry panache to the ultimate level – sprawling penthouses with custom-designed everything and all of the bells and whistles you can imagine. The thing is, “luxury” is part of the lifestyle for all people who purchase a suite in a new condominium, certainly compared to the choices when I started in the business decades ago. In those days, the market was dominated by seniors and empty-nesters, but today, people from the spectrum of new-home buyers are opting to go condo. From busy young professionals to families and older buyers, condo residents enjoy a carefree lifestyle without the worry of exterior upkeep. Today, the grounds around our architecturally brilliant buildings are meticulously landscaped and cared for – luxurious, indeed.

And let’s talk amenities! Common areas in modern condos are breathtakingly beautiful and more functional than ever before. Opportunities for socializing with neighbours, working out, entertaining and being entertained are designed to make the most of space. Fitness facilities in the condo mean an end to gym membership fees. And imagine the convenience of hosting large gatherings right in your building. As I always say, amenities are in essence extensions of your living space. I know many low-rise homeowners who spend a great deal per month on membership fees, lawn care services, window cleaning, snow plowing, security and so on. If you are considering a move from a low-rise home, you may find your maintenance fees to be more reasonable than you anticipated.

Today’s suites themselves are innovatively designed to maximize every square foot. Plus, many of the standard suite appointments included in the purchase price nowadays would have been upgrades in the past. When you choose to go condo, you reap the benefits of all the advancements in the Ontario Building Code (OBC) over the years as well. Materials and construction techniques are outstanding, providing a level of luxury behind the walls and in the appointments that is unheard of in major cities around the world. We are fortunate to live in Ontario, where the OBC is continually evolving to keep up with technology and buyer needs and wants.

All buyers today are more demanding than they used to be, and developers have risen to the challenge by creating standard features that rival the upgrades of yesteryear. From gorgeous countertops to rich flooring and energy-saving fixtures, even the standard packages are appealing. Many buyers are delighted without selecting upgrades, and those who do, find a breathtaking selection available. Empty-nesters and seniors still gravitate to condos when they are ready to right-size to accommodate their changing life circumstances. They enjoy more freedom to do the things they love, including travelling without worrying about exterior upkeep and security while they are away. Having snow removal, grounds-keeping and the repair and maintenance of common areas taken care of is a luxury younger residents appreciate to help them balance their hectic work, parenting and/or school schedules. Even single women are gravitating to condos for the enhanced security and convenience they enjoy. From compact studios to three-bedroom suites, condominiums represent luxury on many levels!

About Barbara Lawlor

Barbara Lawlor is president and CEO of Baker Real Estate Incorporated, an Honoree at the 2019 BISNOW Toronto Power Women Commercial Real Estate Leaders event, a panelist at the Key Media International Conference in 2018 and winner of the pinnacle 2017 Riley Brethour Award from BILD, among other accolades. She is also an in-demand columnist and speaker who is respected for her impactful industry voice. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of condominium developments in Canada in the GTA, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal, and internationally in Beijing. Keep current with The Baker Blog at blog.bakerrealestate.com

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